St. Joseph's Indian School earns reaccreditation

Small class sizes ensure each student receives the attention they need to excel.

St. Joseph’s Indian School recently received reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA), a standard the school for Lakota children in need has earned since 1995.

COA partners with human service organizations, like St. Joseph’s Indian School worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying and promoting accreditation standards.

The accreditation group was founded in 1977 and maintains a rigorous assessment process designed to identify providers who have set high performance standards and made a commitment to deliver the highest quality services to children in need.

“We take accreditation very seriously,” said Mike, St. Joseph’s Director. “We even welcome the process. We want to keep up with the best practices for residential education and learn from others’ successes.”

“The review affirmed what we are doing well and challenged us to look at where we can improve. A fresh view often helps us see what we might otherwise miss.”

At St. Joseph's Indian School, we are blessed to be able to provide resources to give our students the experience they need.

The COA reaccreditation process involved a detailed review and analysis of St. Joseph’s administrative operations and service delivery practices. All areas were then “measured” against national standards for service organizations.

“COA reviews our entire organization to determine reaccreditation – not just individual programs,” said Mike, “With such a comprehensive review from a reliable, objective organization like COA, St. Joseph’s Indian School is confident that we are providing the best possible services to our Lakota (Sioux) students and their families.”

COA’s standards emphasize that St. Joseph’s Indian School’s services are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence-based and outcome-oriented. Additionally, COA confirms St. Joseph’s services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce.

Our Mission

St. Joseph’s Indian School, an apostolate of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, partners with Native American children and families to educate for life — mind, body, heart and spirit.